Events

January 14, 2025
1:00 pm - 3:45 pm

In January, AstenJohnson’s Clinton, SC facility hosted OpExChange members for an exclusive visit, providing a firsthand look at the company’s unique culture and operations. The event spotlighted AstenJohnson’s core focus on safety, employee retention, and operational excellence, drawing attention to its longstanding dedication to continuous improvement and collaboration.

December 17, 2024
11:00 am - 12:15 pm

This webinar provided an overview of SCMEP’s Advanced Manufacturing Guide, available for download. It highlighted how SCMEP supports manufacturers of all sizes in adopting technologies that reduce cost, improve quality, and enhance safety. Key focus areas include AI/ML, VR/AR, cybersecurity and CMMC, network penetration testing, digital twins, robotics and automation, and Power BI.

December 10, 2024
11:00 am - 12:00 pm

This virtual meeting highlighted the 2024 OpExChange year, celebrating the most engaged individuals and companies. Special recognition was also given to those who demonstrated collaboration and support for others throughout the year.

December 5, 2024
8:00 am - 4:30 pm

In early December 2024, I had the privilege of moderating a panel discussion with leaders from three exceptional OpExChange companies during the South Carolina Manufacturing Summit. The focus of our session was a topic of critical importance to manufacturers across the state: achieving and sustaining high employee retention rates.

November 14, 2024
9:00 am - 10:15 am

David Woods delivered a clear, practical introduction to Lean—covering its origins, the eight wastes, and core tools like 5S and standardized work. Drawing on his Toyota and Danaher experience, he emphasized one central message: Lean starts with people. SCMEP offers coaches and training to support any manufacturer beginning or advancing their Lean journey.

October 23, 2024
11:00 am - 12:15 pm

Stephen Deas, Process Improvement Coach for SCMEP, hosted an insightful webinar in October of 2024 focused on AS9100. With extensive experience in helping South Carolina companies implement Quality Management Systems (QMS), Stephen provided a comprehensive, hour-long overview of this aerospace and defense industry standard.

October 22, 2024
1:00 pm - 3:30 pm

On October 22nd, OpExChange had the privilege of touring their impressive water heater plant in McBee, SC. The focus of this visit was to share the development of the AO Smith Operating System (AOSos). The company's pioneering work in advanced welding techniques and glass-to-steel fusion revolutionized the manufacturing of products like pressure vessels, large-diameter pipes, and glass-lined water heaters. This innovation led to their prominence as a leading water heater manufacturer, introducing the first glass-lined water heater in 1936.

September 6, 2024
12:15 pm - 4:30 pm

Michelin opened its doors to OpExChange members for a rare look at how digital innovation is reshaping tire manufacturing. During a visit to the US7 plant in Lexington, teams from US5 and US7 showcased major projects—from Automated Guided Forklifts and augmented-reality work instructions to autonomous inspections performed by Spot, the robot dog. Members also toured the facility, witnessing production of some of the world’s largest tires. Beyond technology, Michelin highlighted its people-focused culture through the “Spark Team,” a design-thinking initiative that enhances the employee experience.

August 28, 2024
10:30 am - 11:30 am

The workers’ compensation process is often slow, costly, and full of waste—and Sargent Metal is proving it doesn’t have to be. In an OpExChange session, CEO Tim Hayden shared how his team is applying lean thinking and automation to fix a broken system. By partnering with Zenjuries, Sargent Metal has streamlined communication, reduced claim lag time, and taken control of the 70% of the process manufacturers can directly influence. The result: faster claim closure, lower reserves, and meaningful savings—while getting injured employees back to work sooner.

August 20, 2024
8:00 am - 12:00 pm

Wabtec’s Greenville plant recently hosted a safety “workout” with OpExChange peers, drawing participants from fifteen South Carolina manufacturers. Site Director Jason Williams and EH&S Manager Todd Davis shared how the team has been steadily building a stronger safety culture over the past three years, embedding safety into daily Gemba walks, performance objectives, and digital reporting tools like Gensuite. After touring the facility, participants collaborated on the key elements of a deep safety culture—leadership commitment, robust safety infrastructure, engagement at all levels, and behavior-based safety.